Industry 5.0: Sustainability Meets Artificial Intelligence

The manufacturing industry, which has been continually adapting to the digital transformation and automation of Industry 4.0, is now on the brink of a new digital revolution. This upcoming transformation, known as Industry 5.0, merges the digital capabilities of Industry 4.0 with a heightened emphasis on sustainability and ethical considerations, benefiting both people and the planet. Industry 5.0 is currently a widely discussed and debated topic, particularly as manufacturers face growing pressure to provide transparency and visibility to their end customers.

In an unprecedented shift, customers are now basing their purchasing decisions on sustainability, and manufacturers must adapt to this new paradigm while maintaining competitive pricing in an economic environment where financial constraints remain a concern.

During a conversation with Alok Sahu, Sr. Director - Global SAP Industry Offerings and Solutions at Fujitsu, we delve into the intricacies of Industry 5.0. We explore the emerging trends and implications that manufacturers need to take into account, and examine real-life use cases from Fujitsu and their collaboration with customers.

In short Industry 5.0 and sustainability are interconnected, with Industry 5.0 offering tools and strategies that can support more sustainable and responsible industrial practices. By integrating digital technologies and automation into manufacturing and production processes, companies can enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste, and improve their environmental and social impact, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Alok underscores that the majority of organizations are still in the early stages of realizing the potential of Industry 5.0. Therefore, it is crucial to proactively engage with this trend to avoid falling behind in the evolving landscape.

Three Key Insights

Sustainability plays a prominent role in the context of Industry 5.0, offering both opportunities and challenges to manufacturers. Alok highlights the significance of sustainability, stating that it occupies a key position in Industry 5.0. He also points out the potential challenges, such as increased demand for resources like steel and aluminum, which may raise concerns related to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations.

Industry 5.0 relies on advanced technological infrastructure, necessitating investment to create a more sustainable, agile, and resilient manufacturing sector. Alok notes that ongoing developments in network bandwidth, particularly the emergence of 6G technology, are expected to address the rising data requirements associated with Industry 5.0.

To adapt to AI-powered operations, workforce retraining, repurposing, and upskilling are essential, facilitating a shift toward higher-value roles, improved customer service, and the acquisition of new skills. Alok underscores the importance of recognizing that humans are better suited for tasks that require creativity and problem-solving, while repetitive tasks are best automated. The advent of Industry 5.0 is poised to bring substantial changes to the job market, requiring the workforce to undergo training and upskilling to meet the evolving demands.

Industry 5.0 and Sustainability

The emergence of Industry 5.0 represents a pivotal transformation in our industrial journey, positioning technology as a catalyst for holistic progress that encompasses societal well-being, environmental preservation, and organizational advancement.

Leading the way in demonstrating the profound impact of technology on building a sustainable future is organizations like Fujitsu. Alok emphasizes, "At Fujitsu, sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's an integral part of our organizational DNA, driving everything we aim to achieve for our customers. Our introduction of the business brand Fujitsu Uvance exemplifies our commitment to using technology to improve the lives of people worldwide, while also making a positive contribution to businesses and their growth."

The convergence of technology and sustainability in the context of Industry 5.0 outlines a future where businesses compete based on their positive contributions to society and the environment. It underscores the imperative for a harmonious coexistence between humans and technology to shape a resilient and sustainable future within an ever-evolving and competitive marketplace.????

Industry 5.0 in Action

In a sustainability-focused initiative, the global brewer AB InBev partnered with Fujitsu and SettleMint to implement blockchain technology for enhancing transparency within its barley supply chain. This collaborative project enabled consumers to trace the journey of barley from the farm to the bottle by simply scanning QR codes on beer packaging.

This innovative approach yielded several benefits, including improved resource efficiency, the promotion of sustainable farming practices, and heightened consumer awareness regarding the beer production process.

Fujitsu's Track and Trust solution, seamlessly integrated with the SettleMint platform, served as a compelling example of how cutting-edge technologies can be harnessed to create personalized and sustainable experiences. This marks a significant transition towards the human-centric production model envisioned in Industry 5.0, where technology and sustainability converge to offer more transparent and eco-conscious manufacturing processes.

For further insights into sustainable manufacturing stories using SAP solutions from Fujitsu customers, you can click here.

This article is sponsored by Fujitsu.